[zeusky]

I kind of like Ferrer more in this match up. Any words of wisdom?

[Boner_18]

Both EaglesPhan and I have blogged about this match. He is on Ferrer and I on Baghdatis. I just think that we know Baghdatis is playing well (his service stats in round 1 and his title in Sydney), while we do not know what Ferrer's form is since he didn't play a warm up and his round 1 opponent retired.

However, I wouldn't take Bag at much more than -150. GL whichever way you go... unless you stay on Ferrer.

[zeusky]

Well, thank you Boner!!

[EaglesPhan36]

I think it's imperative that Ferrer get off to a good start in the 1st set. Not necessarily that he wins it, but that he makes Baghdatis work for every point and shows that he's going to dig for every return and get every ball that Baggy throws his way. For me, this match comes down to 2nd serves for both & Ferrer's serve in general. I'm a little surprised the public backed off Baghdatis, price is now back where it was this morning at -135/+115.

[Boner_18]

Hitting in long rallies. 42 mins through 8 games.

[Boner_18]

Bag misses 6-7 break points and next game Ferrer converts his first. Bummer.

[Tom Jane]

I had Bag on this too, Boner. Conventional wisdom would say it would be a win for Ferrer in 4 sets. But Baghdatis won that Swedish tourney late last year, and then won in Sydney. He's a good fast court player and he has enormous fan support in Melbourne from The Greek Cypriot and Greek populations. He's come back from two down before, but that's a huge hole to come out of against a quality opponent like Ferrer.

[Boner_18]

YEah. His body language right now says its not going to happen. We shall see.

[Boner_18]

Ferrer is all over the place. Running shit down like crazy.

[lak420187]

i like ferrer in this matchup...i think he is the better player.

[Boner_18]

i like ferrer in this matchup...i think he is the better player.

You go man. Get that sub-forum point!

[Boner_18]

Looks like Ferrer might be injured a bit. Cramp or something minor but persistent. Serving to get to tie-break and end in three.

[EaglesPhan36]

This will go 5. It's a theme in this tournament,blowing 2-0 leads.

[Boner_18]

Baggy takes one. Ferrer looks bushed but should be able to take 1 of the next two.

[EaglesPhan36]

Congrats Baggy backers. You were on the right side of the choke. Why I bet on Ferrer is beyond me. Guy probably has won once in the last four or five times I've backed him - but always puts up a fight enough to where I'll think about backing him again ... or not. FU Ferrer, you're on the no-fly list.

[Fthenorm]

Ferrer is on his way out of the top 20, and its doubtful he will return

[Boner_18]

Not over yet EP. I will admit I like my MB play right now... but it's not over...

[Boner_18]

and now a break... getting close to over...

[EaglesPhan36]

It was over as soon as Baghdatis took the 4th set. Ferrer isn't one of those guys at this stage who can turn it around after losing momentum - he doesn't have a big weapon that you need to do that. Congrats on your win Boner. I'm happy I broke even with Almagro since I almost had two guys choke on me today after leading 2-0.

[Boner_18]

Aye. TY. There has been a lot of guys dropping sets after going up 2, some managed to pick up the 4th or 5th.

[pavyracer]

Baggy plays his best at Aussie Open.

[The General]

What a rally by Baghdatis


M. Baghdatis 4 3 7 6 6

D. Ferrer 6 6 6 3 1

[The General]

Couple other big comebacks today

J. Monaco 3 3 7 6 6

M. Llodra 6 6 6 1 3



S. Robert 6 7 2 3 2

A. Montanes 4 6 6 6 6

[michalis]

had the match at over 38,5

it was obvious this was a five setter, with both players characteristically unable to sustain any lead they built up to against formidable oponents like each other


another plus for me is baghdatis win, way to go

[Boner_18]

Yeah SS he did play in Auckland and was beat in the 2nd round by Clement. I just meant in terms of Gil retiring in the first round of the AO and comparatively to Bag, who has already played 6-7 matches. I didn't think this would go 5 or that Marcos could mentally rise to the challenge of going down two but was pleasantly surprised at the outcome.

Plus it was a great match to watch, those two create some serious angles.

[michalis]

You go man. Get that sub-forum point!

you get points for posting on a sub forum? i did not know that, i didnt even know this was a sub forum

what distinguishes forums from subforums?

[Boner_18]

You get a single point for 1st sports sub-forum post of the day. Sports sub-forums are those listed under the Sports Handicapping title on forum.sbrforum.com... i think

[tonyhomo]

i can't watch an entire baghdatis match at a grand slam tourney,
his own fanclub is always pissing me off after a few minutes

[Boner_18]

Yeah the Grecians and Cypriots are a wild bunch. I don't mind the cheering, they are very organized and respectful. For example, they always stop cheering before the chair ump has to ask for quiet.